Learn how to spot COVID symptoms in babies, what a fever or cough may mean, and what to do next if your newborn or infant may be sick.
Answer a few questions to get a personalized assessment based on your baby’s age, symptoms, fever, cough, exposure, or positive result.
COVID in newborns and infants can range from very mild symptoms to illness that needs prompt medical care. Some babies have fever, cough, congestion, poor feeding, unusual sleepiness, vomiting, or diarrhea. Others may seem fussy or simply not act like themselves. Because COVID symptoms in babies can overlap with colds, flu, RSV, and other common illnesses, it helps to look at the full picture: your baby’s age, breathing, feeding, temperature, and recent exposure.
COVID fever in babies may be one of the first signs of illness. In young infants, any fever can be important, especially in newborns under 3 months.
COVID cough in babies may sound mild at first and can come with a stuffy nose, sneezing, or noisy breathing from congestion.
A baby with COVID symptoms may feed less, seem more tired than usual, be harder to settle, or have fewer wet diapers if they are not drinking well.
Seek urgent care if your baby is breathing fast, working hard to breathe, grunting, wheezing, or you notice the skin pulling in around the ribs.
Call a clinician promptly if your baby is refusing feeds, vomiting repeatedly, has a dry mouth, or is making fewer wet diapers than usual.
If you have a newborn or young infant with a fever, contact a medical professional right away. Babies under 3 months need special attention.
If your baby tested positive or you think your baby has COVID, focus on hydration, feeding, rest, and watching breathing closely. Keep your baby home, limit exposure to others when possible, and follow guidance from your pediatrician about symptom care and monitoring. COVID treatment for infants depends on age, symptoms, and overall health. Many babies recover with supportive care, but newborns and infants with fever, breathing trouble, or worsening symptoms should be evaluated promptly.
Understand whether your baby’s symptoms fit COVID more closely or may point to another common illness.
Get practical guidance on when COVID testing for babies may be useful after symptoms or exposure.
Learn what to watch for, when to call your pediatrician, and when your baby may need urgent care.
Common COVID symptoms in babies can include fever, cough, congestion, runny nose, poor feeding, unusual fussiness, sleepiness, vomiting, or diarrhea. Some infants have only mild symptoms, while others may seem less active or not act like themselves.
It can be hard to tell because symptoms often overlap. Exposure to someone with COVID, a positive result, fever, cough, and changes in feeding or behavior can all help guide next steps. A personalized assessment can help you decide what is most likely and when to seek care.
Newborns and very young infants need closer attention because fever, poor feeding, or breathing changes can become concerning more quickly. If your newborn seems unwell or has a fever, contact a medical professional promptly.
Monitor breathing, feeding, wet diapers, and overall alertness. Offer feeds often, keep your baby comfortable, and contact your pediatrician if symptoms are worsening, your baby is not feeding well, or you are worried for any reason.
Any fever in a baby under 3 months should be taken seriously. In older babies, fever along with poor feeding, dehydration, trouble breathing, or unusual sleepiness should prompt medical advice.
Answer a few questions about your baby’s symptoms, fever, cough, exposure, or positive result to get a clear assessment and next-step guidance.
Answer a Few QuestionsExplore more assessments in this topic group.
See related assessments across this category.
Find more parenting assessments by category and topic.
COVID-19 In Kids
COVID-19 In Kids
COVID-19 In Kids
COVID-19 In Kids